If you’re planning a trip to Cyprus and enjoy getting out on foot, then Paphos, with its abundance of scenic hiking trails, might surprise you. Thanks to its unique location between the sea and the mountains, this part of the island is home to some of the best walking routes, suited to different levels of ability. Paphos truly is a hiker’s paradise.
Along the coastline, you’ll find easy walking trails that showcase open sea views and serenade you with the sound of waves as you follow the path.
Should you head a little north or west, the scenery will take a wilder turn. Here, the rugged Akamas Peninsula offers raw, untouched landscapes that feel about as far removed as you can get from the resort towns. Meanwhile, if you venture inland, you’ll quickly notice the temperature drops as pine forests and higher-altitude trails take over in the Troodos Mountains.
The best part of hiking in Paphos is the sheer variety it offers. If, like me, you yearn for freedom and a sense of discovery, you’ll love exploring the following.
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But First, Why Consider Paphos at All?
This cozy part of Cyprus often hides in the shadow of Limassol, Nicosia, and even Larnaca. To me, though, Paphos is the best base or traveling around the island. It’s an adventure in itself, with historic ruins, lively streets lined with good restaurants and live-music bars, and long stretches of coastal promenade dotted with high-end spa hotels.
Some of them I’ve tried and tested, by the way. A special shout-out goes to the Amavi Hotel in Paphos, which made for a perfect weekend getaway in December. Think indoor and outdoor pools, relaxing saunas, excellent breakfasts, and rooms with wide sea views.
Paphos is also a strong starting point for trips into the Troodos Mountains, as well as a gateway to the beaches of the Akamas Peninsula, including the legendary Aphrodite’s Beach. From here, it’s also a relatively short drive to places of interest in the central part of the island, while crowds and traffic tend to be far more manageable during the season.
The Best Time to Go Hiking in Paphos, Cyprus
My guilty pleasure is visiting Paphos in November and December, when the crowds have thinned, and the intense summer heat is gone. The sea is still welcoming, and if you feel like a swim, it’s very much possible.
Shoulder seasons are also an excellent time to explore on foot thanks to mild, pleasant weather. Higher up in the mountains, closer to winter, not all trails remain open, as snow can cover parts of the terrain. Across the rest of the island, however, this is when Cyprus is at its greenest, with occasional rains bringing out lush vegetation.
One important caveat when hiking in Cyprus from November to the end of February is that this is hunting season on the island, attracting large numbers of hunters. They are officially allowed to hunt on Wednesdays and Sundays. On these days, hikers are advised to stay alert and avoid heading out on longer or more remote walks. In practice, extra caution is also wise on other days, as not all hunters strictly follow the rules.
Hiking in Cyprus during summer is possible, but it requires careful planning. Walks are best scheduled early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat, which can be dangerous. In addition, due to the risk of forest fires, some trails may be closed during the summer months.
With all this in mind, here are five stunning hiking trails in Paphos worth adding to your Cyprus travel wish list.
1. Paphos Promenade Walk
Running right along the seafront, the Paphos Promenade Walk is a flat, well-maintained path that cuts through the heart of Paphos. It is an easy walking trail that should suit all fitness levels, and you don’t need hiking boots to complete it.
What I like best about this walk is how flexible it is. The promenade stretches for several kilometers. But you can join or leave the route at countless points along the way. I usually start it near Paphos Archaeological Park, which is somewhere you should definitely check out. However, I noticed many others joined it closer to the harbor. Or farther out toward beautiful Coral Bay.
Overall, it took me about 2 hours to walk one way. That said, I was taking it easy. Along the way, I passed ancient ruins and several rocky viewpoints that offered excellent photo opportunities. I also stopped at a couple of small bays with golden beaches to enjoy a quick dip.
The great thing about this walk is that you don’t have to bring much with you. There is no shortage of cafés and restaurants lining the promenade. So, you can stop whenever you want for a coffee or a bite to eat.
2. Coral Bay Edro III Shipwreck Hike
If you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous, the Coral Bay Shipwreck Hike is a great way to explore the wild stretch of coastline just outside Paphos.
The trail starts near the Coral Bay car park or around the Peyia Sea Caves area. Both are easy to reach by car. From either, the path hugs the shoreline and weaves across rocky ground as it heads toward the famous Edro III shipwreck.
The walk is not long, with most people taking around 1 to 1.5 hours for the round trip. However, unlike the Paphos Promenade Walk, this route is not paved or polished. Therefore, it is important to wear sturdy hiking shoes.
The terrain is uneven in places, with loose stones and natural rock steps. While you’ll have to exercise a bit of caution as you traverse it, its rugged nature is part of what makes the hike feel so rewarding.
As you make your way across the trail, you’ll be presented with dramatic sea cliffs, small, quiet coves, and expansive views across the Mediterranean that will blow you away. That said, reaching the shipwreck was my main motivation.
The Sierra Leone–flagged cargo ship Edro III ran aground off Pegeia back in 2011. While all nine crew members were rescued, there wasn’t much that could be done about the vessel itself. She was cleared of marine pollutants and left where she lay, slowly fading against a very scenic stretch of coastline.
Tip: If you’d like to combine coastal scenery with time on the water, this tour is an easy way to see several highlights in one day. It brings together stops at the Edro III shipwreck and Sea Caves with visits to the Baths of Aphrodite and a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim, relax, and enjoy light refreshments before returning to Paphos.
3. Aphrodite’s Trail: A Panoramic Loop in the Akamas Peninsula
For hikers who are attracted by the prospect of big views and a real sense of place, Aphrodite’s Trail is where they should head.
Located in western Cyprus, this beautiful loop sits within the Akamas Peninsula. It starts near the Baths of Aphrodite — a place steeped in local legend and easy to reach by car.
From the very beginning, the trail feels very different from the coastal walks closer to town. Boasting a remote, untamed atmosphere, its full loop covers about 7.5 kilometers. Most people take between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete at a steady pace.
While it is considered a moderate hike, I did find it tough in parts. Mainly because of the elevation gain, as the trail climbs away from the shoreline and up into the hills. However, it did give me a good cardio, and the effort was well worth it. The view across Chrysochou Bay, where shimmering stretches of blue sea contrast against the rugged coastline below, was absolutely spectacular.
This Aphrodite’s trail hike near Paphos is also memorable for its scent. The earthy aroma of fresh herbs and wild Mediterranean vegetation was almost as captivating as the views.
4. Kaledonia Waterfalls Hiking Trail: Shaded Forest Paths and Cool Air
If you would prefer to venture away from the coast, I suggest heading inland to the Troodos Mountains. There, the Kaledonia Waterfalls Hiking Trail, Cyprus, offers a refreshing change of scenery, with cooler air, dense forest, and the soothing sound of running water.
When I visit Paphos during warmer months, I like coming here because it provides a welcome break from the heat. The trail typically starts near the village of Platres, and follows a river through shaded woodland. It covers a distance of about 3 kilometers one way and features wooden bridges that cross over flowing streams, and plenty of ferns, mossy rocks, and tall trees.
Eventually, you come to the waterfall itself, which is absolutely breathtaking. I completed our out-and-back walk in about two hours. But I spent about an hour enjoying the cascade.
If you intend to tackle this trail, you are advised to wear sturdy shoes. Some sections of the trail can be slippery, particularly after rain, and it’s easy to lose your footing when you are focused on the scenery.
Tip: If you’re curious to explore the Troodos Mountains beyond hiking, this cultural tour is a great option. It combines scenic stops like Aphrodite’s Rock, traditional villages such as Lofou and Omodos, the Timios Stavros Monastery, and the Millomeris Waterfalls, with local cheese and wine tastings and lunch in Platres.
5. Atalanti Nature Trail: High-Altitude Landscapes and Open Views
If you’re keen to spend some quality time immersing yourself in the landscape, the Atalanti Nature Trail is well worth the effort. It is a high-altitude loop near Mount Olympus in the Troodos range that is best suited to experienced walkers with a good level of fitness.
Extending for about 14 km, the Atalanti hiking trail in Cyprus typically takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. However, by the time you’ve stopped to take in its various sights, you could easily spend twice that amount of time on it.
Thankfully, despite its length, the trail has a relatively gentle gradient. This makes it more manageable than it might first sound on paper. Much of the route winds through pine forests, with sections opening up to wide, sweeping views across the Troodos Mountains. What I like most about it is that the air feels cooler and crisper, especially compared to the coast. The scenery also has a distinctly alpine feel, which is very enchanting.
The trail is clearly marked and well-maintained, which is always a bonus. If you’re looking for a peaceful hike with space to think and move at your own pace, this one delivers in spades.
Best Places to Stay and Hotels in Paphos
The best places to stay in Paphos will depend on what kind of holiday experience you want.
For example, do you want to be close to history, near the sea, or tucked a little farther away from the crowds? Where you stay can shape how you experience the city, especially if you enjoy having the flexibility of a rental car.
Kato Paphos, Cyprus: A Lively Area for First-Time Visitors
Kato Paphos is a popular choice of destination for many first-time visitors. This area is close to the harbor, the Archaeological Park, and the coastal walking path. So, it lets you easily enjoy the best of the island. You can also reach restaurants, cafés, and several beaches on foot, which makes it an easy base if you don’t fancy driving. It even has decent nightlife without being too overbearing.
Hotels in this part of town are on another level. You’ll find plenty of seafront properties with suites facing open sea views. Many hotels in Kato Paphos also have spa facilities, which are especially welcome if you’re visiting in November or December. While I’ve already mentioned the Amavi, also take a look at what the M Boutique Hotel has to offer. It is close to the harbour, supermarket, shops, and bus stops that will take you into town.
Adjacent to Kato Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings area offers a slightly quieter feel, albeit still close to the action. You can also easily access major sites and the main road out of town. The Kefalos Beach Tourist Village is an excellent accommodation choice here.
Consider Coral Bay Near Paphos
Coral Bay is another great area you might want to consider. It is about a 20-minute drive from central Paphos. Surrounded by nature, coastal views, and beautiful beaches, it suits travelers who come to Paphos for some relaxation in the sun. The Thalassa Boutique Hotel & Spa is a brilliant place to stay here. It is right by the beach and offers fabulous open-air bars and restaurants to enjoy your evenings.
Written by Inessa Rezanova
I’m a travel writer, keen to see the world and share its stories. I’m Ukrainian, and I continue to explore my country even in times of full-scale invasion. Not just because I love it, but because I believe in showing the world the beauty, strength, and humanity that exists here, even now.
